Beast 54ZB Commercial ZTR

[dbear]

The more I read the "criticisms" of the Z-Beast, the more I can't help but believe that if it was red and said Exmark, or yellow and said Scag, or green and said JD,...on the side, those same criticisms would turn to praise. The facts that it is not a recognized, established brand name, and the lack of a traditional dealer network for support are something most on here can't get over.

Not saying I think the Z-Beast is the best thing since sliced bread, nor that it's the right mower for everyone, just that right now, I don't believe it's automatically a POS. I'd like to see empirical data that its design is flawed; I'd like to actually see one and try one out. Just because a path is well beaten doesn't inherently mean it's the right one.

[GordonwJackson]

Originally Posted by nepatsfan

Gordon....What size blades does a 62" mower use? Is this something people would have to order from home depot? That would be a pita if a set of blades put you out of commision for a few days or a week. There are plenty of other parts on that mower that wouldn't be available but blades too? I have never seen that size deck before.

The blades on the 62" Z-Beast are 21" blades. GXi has not done a study to test compatibility of all 3rd party blades in this size range but we are aware there are many 3rd party options out there. We don't see blade availability as a problem. If you are aware of an issue, please let us know. Many buyers of GXi's mowers buy spare blades and belts at the same time they buy the mower so they have them in stock on their trailer or at their workshop. If you run your mowers every day we would of course suggest you carry a few spares (blades and belts) so if you hit a curb or rock it doesn't ruin your day. That is good insurance no matter what brand of mower you use.

[dmodem]

I recently pulled the trigger and bought the 54" ZTR. Lo and behold, I received a call from the trucking company stating they dropped it as they were maneuvering it for my home delivery....I drove out to see the damage - torn rear fender and dinged deck.....although I refused delivery and received a refund from HD, now I'm within a week of needing to mow, and it'll be approx. 3 weeks to receive another.

Do y'all think I should re-order, wait 3 weeks while my grass grows, and roll the dice on the freight company dropping it again or should I just go purchase a comparable Hustler or Bad Boy? BTW, HD stated there was no way to expedte a replacement shipment....figures.

[GordonwJackson]

Originally Posted by dmodem

I recently pulled the trigger and bought the 54" ZTR. Lo and behold, I received a call from the trucking company stating they dropped it as they were maneuvering it for my home delivery....I drove out to see the damage - torn rear fender and dinged deck.....although I refused delivery and received a refund from HD, now I'm within a week of needing to mow, and it'll be approx. 3 weeks to receive another.

Do y'all think I should re-order, wait 3 weeks while my grass grows, and roll the dice on the freight company dropping it again or should I just go purchase a comparable Hustler or Bad Boy? BTW, HD stated there was no way to expedte a replacement shipment....figures.

It is unfortunate that the trucking company damaged your mower...accidents do happen. You did the right thing by refusing delivery. Please contact GXi and provide the details. We ship mowers within about 48 hours of getting the orders and I am sure a replacement for a freight damaged mower would get high priority. I am not sure who / why Home Depot would quote a 3 week lead time. Are you maybe located in a remote or far rural area? I don't see your location in your Lawnsite info.

[dmodem]

Located in Central PA. I wasn't upset at Yellow Freight as I understand accidents happen, but I was just disappointed with the 3 week turnaround quote through HD. The first shipment took a little over 2 weeks, and I was hoping a replacement would have had immediate priority. I'd re-order through HD this evening if I were assured I wouldn't need to wait 2.5 - 3 weeks. As mentioned, with this week's increased temperature forecast, I'll need to do my first mowing within the next 5 - 7 days.

[samendolaro]

Your right... But then again this isn't a PC where all the pieces are interchangeable with other systems. Those names you mentioned have a history. We know what their machines strengths & weaknesses are and in many cases can get a good look at them. You know what to expect. With the Beast ZTR's there just isn't any of that information or the ability to "Try" them or in many cases even see them in person. Its a big leap of faith to lay down 5k on an unseen mower. In the next 12 months most of these issues will be resolved as we hear from more & more owners.

Originally Posted by dbear

The more I read the "criticisms" of the Z-Beast, the more I can't help but believe that if it was red and said Exmark, or yellow and said Scag, or green and said JD,...on the side, those same criticisms would turn to praise. The facts that it is not a recognized, established brand name, and the lack of a traditional dealer network for support are something most on here can't get over.

Not saying I think the Z-Beast is the best thing since sliced bread, nor that it's the right mower for everyone, just that right now, I don't believe it's automatically a POS. I'd like to see empirical data that its design is flawed; I'd like to actually see one and try one out. Just because a path is well beaten doesn't inherently mean it's the right one.

[Capemay Eagle]

Originally Posted by dmodem

Located in Central PA. I wasn't upset at Yellow Freight as I understand accidents happen, but I was just disappointed with the 3 week turnaround quote through HD. The first shipment took a little over 2 weeks, and I was hoping a replacement would have had immediate priority. I'd re-order through HD this evening if I were assured I wouldn't need to wait 2.5 - 3 weeks. As mentioned, with this week's increased temperature forecast, I'll need to do my first mowing within the next 5 - 7 days.

Why don't you buy my mower? I assume central PA means Harrisburg or Mechanicsburg? I am three hours away! I might even deliver for a few more bucks! I am selling an almost brand new Badboy It is a 2010 CZT 42" with a bagger and 17 hours. 5K!!

[nepatsfan]

Originally Posted by Capemay Eagle

Why don't you buy my mower? I assume central PA means Harrisburg or Mechanicsburg? I am three hours away! I might even deliver for a few more bucks! I am selling an almost brand new Badboy It is a 2010 CZT 42" with a bagger and 17 hours. 5K!!

He is better off with the Beast. That is a commercial mower.

[samendolaro]

Gordon,

Please post when the mulching kits are available for the 54 or 62.

Thanks

[samendolaro]

last two reviews from April on the HD site (1 for the 54" and one for 62") not too favorable . The 54" one was the disturbing one, More missing and loose bolts and engine bogging in 1" grass. No excuse for loose bolts on a new mower. You expect to tighen some after the first couple uses but loosening during transit should not happen. The Engine... well not familiar with the Suburu. Still can't see how people purchase without an available catcher or mulcher .

Can't wait for Dmodem to take ownership and give us a review. I am interested to see how the unit arrives and handles.